Over 36,000 Sudanese have evacuated since capture of El Fasher to RSF, reports UN agency

Over 36,000 civilians have evacuated from Sudan's Kordofan region east of Darfur beginning Saturday, as stated by the UN's immigration body.

The strategic central area between the country's Darfur areas and the Khartoum-Riverine area has over recent weeks become the newest conflict zone in the two-year civil war between the Sudanese military forces and the paramilitary forces.

Substantial Evacuation Figures

An approximated 36,825 people evacuated from five districts in North Kordofan state between 26 October and 31 October, per data from the International Organization for Migration.

The people, most on foot, headed to Tawila, a town west of El Fasher that is currently accommodating over 652,000 displaced people.

Increased Military Presence

Citizens of North Kordofan on Monday described a substantial rise in both RSF and army concentration across communities throughout the state.

Both armed factions are contesting control of El Obeid, the North Kordofan state capital and a key logistics and command hub that connects Darfur to Khartoum.

"Today, all our forces have converged on the Bara front here," commented an RSF member in a recently shared video message.

Local Citizens Report Security Concerns

A area citizen of Um Smeima, located west of El Obeid, stated that the quantity of RSF vehicles had risen substantially since the group's takeover of El Fasher.

"We ceased visiting our farms, fearing clashes," the local commented.

Another civilian, who sought confidentiality for protection purposes, also confirmed that "there has been a substantial growth in army vehicles and weapons west and south of El Obeid" over the past two weeks.

Global Warnings and Appeals

A senior UN official sounded warnings last week about "large-scale atrocities" and "ethnic-based retaliations" by RSF in Bara.

The representative warned of patterns echoing those in Darfur, where RSF fighters have been alleged to commit mass killings, sexual violence and abductions against certain racial groups.

The church leader on Sunday called for an quick cessation of hostilities and the opening of humanitarian corridors in Sudan, stating that attacks on civilians and impediments to humanitarian aid "are creating unacceptable suffering."

Sudan's ambassador to Egypt on Sunday charged RSF of committing war crimes in El Fasher and announced that the Sudanese government would not discuss with the paramilitary group.

The ambassador further called on the global community to designate the group as a terrorist group.

Chelsea Ortega
Chelsea Ortega

Award-winning film critic with over a decade of experience covering international cinema and festival circuits.